Whirlpool Washer and Dryer Error Codes: F9 E1, F8 E1, AF and More

Whirlpool washer and dryer codes use an F number and an E number. On front-load washers, F9 E1 means the washer cannot drain and F8 E1 means it is not getting enough water; both have home checks. On dryers, AF or Check Vent means the airflow is restricted. Most other F# E# codes mean Whirlpool wants a reset, then service.

Maytag front-load washers use the same F9 E1 drain code, with the same steps on Maytag’s help pages. The meanings below are from Whirlpool’s own help pages, listed in the sources.

Front-load washer codes

To clear a code on its front-load washers, Whirlpool says to press Pause/Cancel twice, then Power once.

F8 E1: not enough water

Whirlpool’s checks for a slow fill:

1. Both the hot and cold valves fully open, and both hoses connected.
2. Hoses not kinked, and connected red to hot and blue to cold.
3. Remove the hoses and clean or replace clogged inlet screens. Run water through each hose at a sink; replace a hose with weak flow.
4. Drain hose no more than 4.5 inches into the drainpipe, in its U-shaped form, and not taped in.
5. Standpipe at least 39 inches (99 cm) from the floor. Whirlpool explains that lower than that, water starts to flow out of the washer by gravity.
6. Anti-flood devices can reduce the water pressure; Whirlpool recommends a direct connection.

Whirlpool dryer error codes

Whirlpool’s current dryers use F# E# codes, plus a few messages:

• AF or Check Vent (also F4 E3, restricted air flow). Whirlpool says the lint screen or vent is clogged, or the vent is crushed, kinked or has too many turns. The dryer keeps running. Clean the lint screen, check the vent from the dryer to the wall, clear lint and debris from the vent and the outside hood, and check the run length and number of elbows against the installation instructions. Whirlpool’s test: with the dryer running for 5 to 10 minutes, hold your hand under the outside hood. If the airflow is weaker than a hair dryer on high, clean the whole system. If it persists, Whirlpool says to have the home’s entire venting run cleaned by a venting specialist.
• F3 E1: Whirlpool names the exhaust thermistor. Turn the breaker off for one minute, back on, run Timed Dry and watch for a minute; service if it returns.
• L2: low or no line voltage, so the heater will not turn on. Check the fuses, breakers and power cord installation; call an electrician if it persists.
• PF: a power failure interrupted the cycle. Touch and hold Start to restart, or press Power to clear.
• Other F# E#: Whirlpool says the dryer control has detected a problem that requires service.

A restricted dryer vent is a fire risk as well as a slow dry: see the vent advice on the LG d80 page, which applies to any dryer.

Dryer vent cleaning kits

Shop dryer vent cleaning kits→

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

• Dryer vent brush kitsBrowse →
• Lint trap brushesBrowse →

Whirlpool, Maytag and the same codes

Whirlpool and Maytag are sister brands, and their front-load washers share code pages for F9 E1: Maytag’s help page gives the same meaning, the same 4.5-inch hose limit and the same drain pump filter and door seal checks. If your washer says Maytag on the front, the F9 E1 page applies. For other Maytag codes, check Maytag’s own help pages or the owner’s manual, since this site has not yet compared every Maytag code with Whirlpool’s.

Reading an F# E# code

Whirlpool’s codes have two parts. The F number names the system and the E number the fault within it: on front-load washers, F8 E1 is a fill problem and F8 E2 a dispenser problem, while F5 E2 and F5 E3 are both door lock faults. Write both parts down: the F number alone is not enough to tell a fill fault from a dispenser fault.

Before you call

Whirlpool prints the model and serial number inside the washer or dryer door, on the rim of the opening, for front-load washers and dryers, and beneath the lid on the tub rim for top-load washers. Have it ready with the exact code (more on model labels).

For LG, Samsung and Bosch codes, see LG, Samsung and Bosch.